Best Hostel In Vila Nova De Gaia: The House Of Sandeman
Stay in this unique hostel where every detail has been considered for guests comfort and be enchanted by the amazing location, close to the Douro river and surrounded by the vibrancy of Porto.
The beds in the dorms and private rooms are large and comfortable, plus the bathrooms are clean with funky tiles and big showers. This is the kind of place you wont want to leave.
Lisbon: A Proper Capital City Living
Lisbon, as you would expect, is a very cosmopolitan city. It is the perfect location for culture lovers and those who crave an active lifestyle in the cultural heart of continental Europe.
Compared to other European capitals, Lisbon is calmer and less capitalised, and this is exactly why it can be a perfect place for your retirement.
Lisbon uniquely mixes the developed infrastructure and busy cultural life befitting a proper capital city with the quiet, almost sleepy, charm of an antique town.
If costs associated with living in a capital city scare you, the good news is you will find that Lisbon is less expensive than other European capitals. As an example, monthly rent for 85 m2 furnished accommodation in an average area in Lisbon is around 900.
Public transport is inexpensive. It means there is no real need to own a car if you live in Lisbon, so no petrol costs, no car insurance and servicing costs, no parking problems and no toll charges .
If you have the desire to travel a lot while retired, Lisbon is perfectly positioned to be your HQ.
Firstly, it is brilliantly connected to other cities in Portugal, as well as both Europe and Africa.
Secondly, its a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Paris and just over one hour to Casablanca. Plus, youll have your pick of bargain fares from the discounted European airlines that fly out of Lisbon airport.
Lagos Where To Stay In Portugal For Adventure
Located on the Southwestern tip of Portugal, Lagos is situated perfectly for kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, surfing, and most other outdoor activities you might want to do. It is only a twenty-minute drive to the closest point of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the largest parks in Portugal.
As the best city in Portugal to stay for adventure, youll want to see the scenic rock formations at the Ponta da Piedade, and hike down the steep steps to the tinyand completely magicalPraia do Camilo sandy beach which is one of the most spectacular beaches in Portugal. And why not take a fun boat trip to check out the legendary Bengali Caves!
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Porto Where To Stay In Portugal For Drinking Wine
Its no secret that Porto is the best city to stay in Portugal for enjoying great wine! Porto, in Portugals Northwest, is where port wine was invented but there are plenty of other varieties available. There are lots of beautiful buildings and historic spots from the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop, to the neoclassical Bolsa Palace.
But if its wine that youre really after, then make sure you spend the most time on the wine trail! You should definitely head over to Calem Cellar and tour their beautiful port wine cellars and learn about their ancestral traditions. Plus, at the Caves Ferreira youll get to visit the iconic tasting room that dates all the way back to the 19th century! Sip your port and travel back in history.
Portimao Best Place In Algarve For Shopping
While this region is best known for the popular beach of Praia da Rocha, the city boasts beautiful architecture and a great history. You can see beautiful historic locations like the catholic church of Igreja Matriz de Portimão.
But, the region is best known for the plethora of markets and shops that line streets like Diogo Tomé and Portades da São João. Besides the fantastic retail outlets, you can also indulge in freshly caught fish.
Portimao is a great place to stay in the Algarve if you want to combine your iconic beach holiday with a little shopping spree.
Walking down the famous wooden stairwell of Praia do Camilo in Portugal
Whatever budget youre looking at for your Portimao accommodation, I have some options for you below.
Budget: Algarve Race Resort If the shopping is for her, the race resort is most certainly for him. The resort is located 23km away from the city centre and is within close range to the various international circuits in Portimao. The comfortable self-catering apartments are a great snag for guests looking to stay outside the major city.
Mid-Range: Morgado Golf and Country Club This hotel is excellent for anyone looking to break up their shopping trip with a few putts during the day. It is surrounded by golf courses and is fully kitted with outdoor pools, breakfast buffet and restaurants which makes this as entertaining as the city it is located in.
View over the beach and town of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal
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Best Places To Live In Portugal For Expats
The best places to live in Portugal: take a look at Portugal’s most popular locations for expats, from the Algarve to Porto. Find your perfect location.
Portugal is so beautiful and diverse its a challenge to pin down where the very best places to live in Portugal are. Were up for that challenge!
To a certain extent, it all depends on what your ideal is and what you consider to be your top priorities. With that said, there are some real stand out locations in Portugal that we absolutely think you must know about.
Lets get started with the most popular and well-known region of Portugal the stunning Algarve. After that, well take our journey through Portugal further north.
Where To Stay In Algarve Portugal 8 Best Areas & Towns To Stay In The Algarve
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and rightly so. The 4,997 km squared region encompasses the whole Southern coast of Portugal, and part of the Western coast too.
From never ending white sand beaches to hidden coves surrounded by golden cliffs, the Algarve is home to stunning coastal landscapes. But being such a big region, how do you decide where to stay in the Algarve?
Each area and town in the Algarve has its own distinctive vibe, and is best suited for different types of travellers. If youre looking for a quiet beach holiday, you dont want to end up in the party town.
So if youre looking for advice on the best places to stay in the Algarve, Portugal, youve come to the right place. In this Algarve accommodation guide I have outlined every area in the region, and who its best suited for.
I also included a few accommodation options for every budget. Whether youre looking for a fun surfing holiday or a relaxing family vacation, Im sure there is something in this Algarve hotel guide for you.
Without further ado, lets read on and discover the best areas to stay in Algarve, for every traveller style and budget!
Contents
Enjoying the view over Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal
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Map Of The Best Towns In The Algarve
This Algarve map indicates all the best places to stay in Algarve as mentioned in this article.
The Algarve, Portugals southernmost region, covers an area of about 5 000 km2 and boasts no less than 200 km of Atlantic coastline. The main resort towns in Algarve are divided into 3 categories:
- Eastern Algarve, home to cities Olhão and Tavira as well as the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Think deserted islands, laid-back Algarve towns and a rural vibe.
- Central Algarve, the regions most popular stretch of coast and home to cities Faro and Albufeira and the sophisticated Algarve towns of Vilamoura, Almancil, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago which form the Golden Triangle. The outstanding Benagil cave is just a short boat or kayak ride away. The only international airport in southern Portugal is located in culture-packed Faro, making this charming Algarve town the gateway to this spectacular coastal region.
- Western Algarve, home to cities Lagos, Portimão, Alvor, Sagres and Aljezur, the charming Ferragudo and Carvoeiro fishing villages. as well as the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park and the Monchique mountains. The Algarve beaches and rock formations of its southern coastline are truly spectacular. The south-west coast or Costa Vicentina offers a completely different experience with colorful wildflowers, a variety of birds and some of the coolest surfer towns in the Algarve.
Our Preferred Algarve Towns
What we love about Algarve is the diversity: beaches, green hills, small villages, lagoons, wildflowers The ideal Algarve itinerary offers a bit of everything, making it hard to pick just one favorite place. Our personal interests include sightseeing, easy hikes, beaches and a hint of luxury. Therefore, to us, these Algarve destinations stand out as the perfect travel bases to explore the wider area.
- Lagos, because its located in between the overwhelmingly beautiful natural park and the best beaches in the Algarve. We also found the historic center to be irresistibly charming and the Ponte da Piedade cliffs truly spectacular. Its also perfectly based for day trips, such as a visit to Silves Castle, and the marina offers plenty of boat excursions.
- The Golden Triangle, because its located near the Ria Formosa Natural Park and therefore near the beautiful deserted islands and the sleepy village of Olhão. Yet, its ideally located to explore historic Faro and quaint Loulé in the morning and then enjoy the Algarve coastline from a chartered yacht in the afternoon. The vicinity to Faro Airport, the gateway to Algarve, is a bonus.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Algarve Portugal
There you have it, the ultimate guide on where to stay in the Algarve, Portugal! Have you stayed in a different area or town of the Algarve? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
I was lucky enough to spend a large chunk of my Portugal itinerary in the Algarve. I personally stayed at quite a few of the hotels and hostels I suggested, and have visited all these beautiful towns.
The Algarve is a stunning region, and its easy to see why it features in so many Europe bucket lists. To make your Algarve vacation all the more special, make sure to choose the best area to stay for your travel style and budget.
I hope you find my guide useful in deciding what area of the Algarve to stay in. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
Where To Stay In Porto Bonfim:
Bonfim has some of the best hotels in Porto, such as Cocorico Luxury Guest House. What I love about this hotel is its particularly large and bright rooms. It also has a nice patio where you can enjoy a cocktail in the evenings. Right next to it is one of my favourite specialty coffee shops in town, The Bird of Passage.
More recently, NH Porto Jardim, Catalonia Porto and Eurostars Heroísmo opened, which are corporate hotels, perfect for large groups, that never fail to impress.
If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Porto, you will be able to find it in Bonfim more specifically, Moov Hotel, My Stay Porto Batalha and Legendary Porto Hotel are what you are looking for. They all have the same location and the same vibe, so just go for the cheapest option.
If you prefer to stay in an apartment, Bonfim has plenty of great options such as B.Arts, Trait Houses , The Gallery Studios and Home Made Guest Studios.
If all of these are taken , you can try one of this under the radar apartments in Porto: Nomads Boulevard Flats or Lusitania Garden Apartment.
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Best Places To Stay In Lisbon:
Baixa and Rossio are perhaps the most tourist-friendly neighborhoods in Lisbon. They form part of the downtown are and are close to many of the citys top tourist sites and the Rossio train station. If youd rather have a more off the beaten path experience, stay in Barrio Alto for more boho vibes in this hip, hilly neighborhood.
Central Flat with a View
Best Airbnb in Lisbon: Central Flat with a View
Staying in Lisbon? Good because its perhaps the best city to stay in Portugal. And youre going to want to stay at an epic Lisbon Airbnb. Youll be situated in the heart of the Baixa and Rossio neighborhood. Youll also be just a quick walk to the historic Alfama district, to the waterfront and to the exceptionally popular Praca do Comercio.
Best Hostel in Lisbon: Lisbon Old Town Hostel
Lisbon Old Town Hostel is situated on one of the seven hills in Lisbon, in the Bairro Alto quarter in a beautifully renovated 18th-century building. Theres multiple types of dorms to choose from, as well as four common areas to share. Whats more? There are two fully equipped kitchens that are ready for guests to make use of. This hostel is a guaranteed win.
Best Hotel in Lisbon: Hotel Expo Astoria
Best Cities To Visit In Portugal
Situated on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula looking out over the Atlantic, the history of Portugal cities has long been tied to the waters that surround it. Famous navigators left its ports to return with fantastic riches that helped build the amazing cities that we know today.
From picturesque Porto and historic Evora to lovely Lisbon and the fairytale-like Sintra there are simply loads of great cities in Portugal to explore.
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Douro Valley Portugals Most Scenic Wine Regions With Beautiful Landscapes To Explore
Easily one of the best highlights of a trip to Portugal. The river Douro winds through Spain and Northern Portugal. It was once a wild turbulent river, but the clever introduction of eight vast dams has tamed its spirit and it is now is very tranquil and peaceful.
The beauty of the area isnt limited to these still and shimmering waters, though. Bordered by stunning sweeping hills and expanses of delicate almond blossoms, it really is a beautiful part of the world.
The area remains, for the most part, unspoilt, with roads zigzagging through the mountains and cruise boats softly pressing through the water. This gorgeous place is famed for supplying grapes to the best Port companies. In fact, you can see all of the major names proudly displayed on the hillside vineyards, which change colour through the seasons as the vines mature.
Lisbon Coolest Place To Stay In Portugal
Lisbon is wildly popular with tourists with good reason. Whether its urban art, world-class nightlife, museums, architecture or culinary experiences you are looking for, Lisbon has you covered. There is as much history as there is modern fashion and shopping. Yeah, youre going to love Lisbon!
Lisbon tops the charts for the coolest place to stay in Portugal because there is just so much to see and do here! From the medieval tower of Belem, to the gothic Jeronimos monastery, to the Moorish Castelo de S. Jerome, there are delights at every turn.
But what really makes Lisbon so cool is the roaring nightlife that will keep you dancing until dawn. Also, there is an incredible amount of experimental cuisine going on in Lisbon and food is damned good. So if youre in the mood to try some bifanas or egg tarts youre in luck in Lisbon!
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Area Overview: Batalha Porto
What used to be a rather run down area has changed dramatically in recent years. The citys emblematic theatre, Teatro Nacional São João, is in Batalha, as are the main bus stations. The main church for this neighbourhood is the beautifully tiled Santo Ildefonso. If you walk uphill from Praça da Batalha, youll find yourself in an up and coming neighbourhood with all the services you could need and still just a 10-15 minute walk to the centre of the city.
Its close enough to Porto city centre to walk to the shopping street of Rua Santa Catarina and the beautiful Majestic Café. The Coliseu do Porto hosts international concerts and there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
You can walk to places like Clérigos on the other side of Aliados but it would be less tiring to take the tram or a taxi.
Tip: If youre coming to Batalha from the Ribeira area, take the Guindais funicular up the hill to save your legs and enjoy the view.
Where To Stay In Portugal: 14 Spots Recommended By Locals
Wondering where to stay in Portugal? We asked some locals for their opinions. They helped create this guide to 14 places to stay in Portugal, from cities, to small towns, to sunny coastlines.
For personalized advice on where to stay in Portugal, work with a local to build your trip. They’ll help you see a side of their home that most tourists miss. Learn more.
Where to Stay in Portugal
The Algarve is a coastal region in the southwest of Portugal. Home to incredible beaches, seaside towns, and relaxing resorts, locals say it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal. They note that Albufeira and Sagres are particularly popular towns and both are great for a fun, relaxing vacation.
Don’t miss out on what makes this region so great. Our trip planners suggest indulging in some local delicacies like Conquilhas à Algarvia or Feijoada.
Local tip: Explore some of the hidden gems of the Algarve, like the lesser-known village of Monchique.
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